Accessibility Services

 

Visitors with Accessibility Needs

Capitol Tours are accessible. Service animals are allowed inside the Capitol Visitor Center and the Capitol. Family and accessible restrooms are available throughout the Visitor Center. Look for Visitor Services staff in red jackets and vests for assistance.

The Office of Congressional Accessibility Services (OCAS) can provide tours designed for visitors with disabilities. For information about these tours or any accessibility questions, please call OCAS at 202-224-4048 (Voice)

Additional information on accessibility in Exhibition Hall, is available here.

Additional information on accessibility in the Capitol and the House and Senate Office Buildings is available here.

Information on Security Screening For Visitors With Disabilities, Medical Conditions, Medical Devices, Or Medications.

Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired

An audio described tour of the CVC’s Exhibition Hall can be found on the Audio Described Tour of Exhibition Hall page.

Copies of all Capitol Visitor Center brochures in alternative formats (large print, braille, HTML) are available at the Information Desks. Listening devices with audio description of the orientation film are available at the Information Desks in Emancipation Hall.

The Office of Congressional Accessibility Services (OCAS) can provide tours specifically designed for visitors with visual impairments. For more information about these tours, please call 202-224-4048.

Services for the Mobility Impaired

Shuttle Service

For your convenience, the Capitol Visitor Center provides an on-demand shuttle service. The shuttles run from the bus drop-off and pick-up areas on the west side of the Capitol to the Capitol Visitor Center entrance. They operate as needed from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Saturday.

Advance reservations for the shuttle are not required for individuals or small groups. However, if you are traveling with a large group requesting mobility assistance, please contact the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services at 202.224.4048 in advance of your visit.

Visitor Center staff in the kiosks can provide additional information and call a shuttle if needed. The west side kiosk is located near Independence Avenue and First Street SW, across from the U.S. Botanic Garden. The east side kiosk is located near East Capitol Street NE/SE and First Street NE/SE, across the street from the U.S. Supreme Court and the Library of Congress Jefferson Building.

Wheelchairs

Visitors can borrow wheelchairs at the Capitol Visitor Center’s North Coat Check. Those borrowing a wheelchair must present a valid, government-issued ID. Passports are not accepted. Wheelchairs must be returned by 4 p.m. and may only be used in the Capitol and the Capitol Visitor Center.

Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Copies of all Capitol Visitor Center brochures in alternative formats (large print, braille, HTML) are available at the Information Desks. Listening devices with audio description of the orientation film are available at the Information Desks in Emancipation Hall.

The Office of Congressional Accessibility Services (OCAS) can provide tours specifically designed for visitors with visual impairments. For more information about these tours, please call 202-224-4048.

Services for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired

Open captioning is included on all films in the Capitol Visitor Center, and an ASL video tour of the Capitol is available at the Information Desks. You can see the tour before you visit by clicking on the links below.

In-person sign language (ASL) interpretation for tours is available when booked in advance. Email Interpreters@saa.senate.gov for more information.

All visitors receive standard assisted listening devices at the conclusion of the orientation film so that they can hear their guide while on tour. T-coil receivers that connect to hearing aids are also available. Visitors can request them from Capitol Visitor Center staff upon exiting the theater. Visitors should check manufacturer product information to confirm their individual hearing aid is compatible with MyLink t-coil receivers.

Advance reservations are not required for individuals or small groups. However, if you are traveling with a large group requesting mobility assistance, we strongly recommend that you contact the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services at 202.224.4048 prior to your visit. Please provide as much advance notice as possible to help facilitate your request.

Personnel in the kiosks can provide additional information about the service and call a shuttle for you if one isn’t already there. The west side kiosk is located near Independence Avenue and First Street SW, across from the U.S. Botanic Garden. The east side kiosk is located near East Capitol Street NE/SE and First Street NE/SE, across the street from the U.S. Supreme Court and the Library of Congress Jefferson Building.

Any CVC staff member in a red shirt, vest or jacket can also answer your questions about the shuttle service, as can staff in the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services, 202.224.4048.

In-person sign language (ASL) interpretation for tours is available when booked in advance. Email Interpreters@saa.senate.gov for more information.

A public TTY is located near the North Gift Shop on the Upper Level of the Capitol Visitor Center.

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